The recently built estate at 110 Churchill Way in Point Manalapan sold for more than $17 million, topping the neighborhood’s previous best by more than $2 million. Photo provided

By Christine Davis

A driver crossing the Ocean Avenue bridge from Lantana enters Hypoluxo Island, a 3-mile-long island subdivision with about 315 single-family homes.

Properties on the island, split between Manalapan and Lantana — and including Point Manalapan at its southern end — have more than doubled from their pre-pandemic prices, said Jason Haverkamp of William Raveis Real Estate.

In Point Manalapan, Charles M. Adams sold his home at 110 Churchill Way for a recorded $17.12 million in December to Martin and Jean Shafiroff.

“It was an off-market for $18.95 million net,” explained Haverkamp, who with Pamela O’Connor represented the buyers of the Manalapan property. Both are agents with William Raveis Real Estate.

“It’s a unique property, a new-construction home on a private protected waterway on three-quarters of an acre and it’s also the largest home in this neighborhood,” Haverkamp said.

It is also a record-breaking sale for its area, topping the $14.8 million sale in June of 1423 Lands End Road, in the Lantana portion of the island.

Buyer Martin Shafiroff is the vice chairman of global wealth management at Stifel, and Jean Shafiroff is an author and philanthropist.

Adams, an executive of Adams Communications & Engineering Technology, was represented by Mercedes Foster, an agent with Real Broker LLC.

“Homes on Hypoluxo Island offer so much in terms of size and views and are a far better value than homes on Palm Beach. It’s definitely an up-and-coming area that is becoming much more prestigious,” Haverkamp said.

As of late December, 14 residences were listed for sale on Hypoluxo Island, with six of those in Point Manalapan.

High-priced listings on Point Manalapan include a large home at 1275 Lands End Road in Manalapan on a double lot priced at $34.9 million, listed by Howard Parker of Howard A. Parker Realty LLC, and 1635 Lands End Road in Manalapan, priced at $20.5 million, listed by Lucrecia Lindemann, an agent with Dalton Wade Inc. Another property in that price point on the island, the home at 1422 SE Atlantic Drive in Lantana, is priced at $21 million and listed by Margit Brandt, an agent with Premier Estate Properties.

Other properties for sale include a home at 807 N. Atlantic Drive in Lantana, priced at $12.45 million and listed by Fern Fodiman, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty; a home at 5 Barefoot Lane in Lantana priced at $11.995 million and listed by Steven Presson of the Corcoran Group; a home at 50 Spoonbill Road in Manalapan, priced at $8.995 million, also listed by Presson; and a home at 1690 Lands End Road in Manalapan, priced at $8.9 million and listed by Jack Elkins, an agent with William Raveis Real Estate.

Presson, a resident of Hypoluxo Island for seven years, has sold real estate on the island for 18 years, he said, adding that in 2025, he sold 12 homes on Hypoluxo Island with two pending sales in mid-December.

“I believe that the island has become one of the most coveted for coastal living in South Florida,” Presson said. “It’s beautiful, safe, scenic and has a sense of community. Many buyers have been priced out of Palm Beach and even West Palm Beach, but still want a coastal lifestyle, and Hypoluxo Island is at the top of their list.

“Before this recent buzz, once a quarter I’d see a celebrity or a name people would recognize. Now it’s once a week. I saw a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a supermodel and her family, and a professional athlete all in the last three weeks, all looking and previewing properties on Hypoluxo Island. They wanted to be in Palm Beach and were priced out, and just 25 minutes down A1A, they can live in a coastal community at a fraction of a cost without giving up the exclusivity and the privacy that they all were seeking.”

***

While Hypoluxo Island is no doubt attractive, coastal Manalapan along State Road A1A has the really big-ticket prices (the highest current listing is $150 million for an estate at 1370 S. Ocean Blvd.).

As far as recent sales go, Frank and Dolores Mennella sold their ocean-to-Intracoastal estate at 1940 S. Ocean Blvd. to WeatherTech founder David MacNeil, with a selling price of $75 million.

The Mennellas purchased their 1.94-acre piece of vacant land in 2018 from Billy Joel for $7.5 million, and built a 16,500-square-foot residence, with a cabana on the ocean side that can be accessed via an underground tunnel.

In this current deal, Philip Lyle Smith and Carla Ferreira-Smith of Luxury Resort Portfolio held the listing and Margit Brandt of Premier Estate Properties represented MacNeil. 

This is MacNeil’s third Manalapan purchase in the last couple of years. In April 2024, MacNeil bought the vacant property at 1120 S. Ocean Blvd. for $38.5 million. Then last May he bought for $55 million the property at 1140 S. Ocean Blvd., an under-construction ocean-to-Intracoastal residence owned by a company affiliated with Joe Farrell of the Farrell Cos. Those properties, by the way, are back on the market as vacant land, priced at $125 million and listed by Brandt.

Billionaire investor and philanthropist Dr. Herbert “Herbie” Wertheim paid $61.75 million for a 27,745-total-square-foot estate at 1160 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan. Sited on 1.73 acres, the contemporary-style residence, rebuilt by Siobhan Zerilla of Bluedoor Building, includes a separate guesthouse, pool cabana, a dock, and 13-car garage.

The main house fronts 160 feet each on the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

Wertheim is an optometrist, inventor, scientist and stock investor. He founded and runs Brain Power Inc., a manufacturer of optical tints for eyeglasses.

The seller, NBU Land Trust, paid $28 million for the estate in 2021. Agents Candace Friis and Phil Friis represented the seller.

***

In Boca Raton, Thomas Wickwire, the chief investment officer at Boca Raton-based Livingston Street Capital, and his wife, Jeanne, sold their Intracoastal Waterway estate at 1203 Spanish River Road for $16.4 million. The new owner is David Breazzano, an executive with the Boca-based investment management firm Polen Capital. Premier Estate Properties agents brokered the deal. The home was bought with Gerard Liguori and listed by Joseph G. Liguori, who noted that it was “a landmark sale and a record price for an older renovated home” for the Estates Section on Boca Raton’s barrier island.

***

And just a footnote about Lion Country Safari ... The 254-acre park, complete with wildlife, just sold to the family of billionaire Larry Ellison, a Manalapan resident.  

Here’s the comment on Lion Country Safari’s website. “After 58 years of leadership and dedication to wildlife, conservation and education, Lion Country Safari is saying farewell to the last members of its founding family, as ownership transitions to the Larry Ellison family who has a longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation. Our proud history and exemplary record in animal care, welfare and preservation will continue to be a core focus in the future. Operations will continue as normal, and our commitment to engagement, guest experience and wildlife conservation remains unchanged.” 

For Ellison, one of the richest people in the world, did he get Lion Country Safari for a steal at $30 million, relatively speaking? 

In 2024, he purchased Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for $277.4 million, and in 2022, he bought the Ziff Estate, Gemini, at 2000 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan, from Jim Clark for $173 million.

Here’s how that deal went down: Lion Country Safari Inc., managed by Charles Richard Koppel, sold the property for $12.71 million to Waverly Inc., also managed by Koppel.
Lion Country Safari terminated its land lease with Waverly, which was the tenant. Then, Waverly sold the property for $30 million to LCS Property LLC, which has the same address in Walnut Creek, California, as the Larry Ellison Foundation.

***

Doug Mills, the Pulitzer Prize-winning senior photographer for The New York Times, is featured in “Capturing the American Presidency” at the 2026 Alan B. and Charna Larkin Symposium. It’s at 4 p.m. Feb. 26 in FAU’s University Theatre, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. 

Mills recently earned his third Pulitzer Prize for his photographic coverage of the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. His first Pulitzer was in 1993 with the Associated Press for team coverage of the Clinton/Gore campaign, and he won a second Pulitzer for the Associated Press’ team investigative coverage of the Monica Lewinsky affair.

Following the symposium, attendees can view “America at 250: We Hold These Truths: We Walk These Grounds,” an exhibition featuring work by Mills in the Schmidt Gallery from Jan. 22 through March 29. General admission tickets for the lecture are $35.

To purchase a ticket, visit fauevents.universitytickets.com. Also, a VIP reception will be at 2:30 p.m. in the Schmidt Gallery hallway. Tickets for the reception, which include admission to the lecture, are $75.

The Schmidt Gallery is in the Performing Arts Building, building 51.

***

Theatre Lab, the professional resident company of Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, earned multiple awards for its 2024-25 productions. Theatre Lab won three Silver Palm Awards, which recognize contributions to South Florida theater. 

Gage Callenius received the Outstanding Performance award for his role in The Last Yiddish Speaker. Iain Batchelor won the Actor and Puppeteer award for his role in The Impossible Task of Today. Nicole Perry won the Performer and Choreographer award for her role in The Impossible Task of Today. 

Theatre Lab also had two winners among seven finalists at the 48th annual Carbonell Awards, which honor theatrical excellence at theaters from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach counties. 

Deborah Zoe Laufer won an Outstanding New Work award for The Last Yiddish Speaker. Batchelor won an Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Male Role award for his role in The Impossible Task of Today.

Theatre Lab finalists were Jeff Bower for Outstanding New Work in The Impossible Task of Today; Vaishnavi Sharma for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Female Role award in The Impossible Task of Today; Patti Gardner for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role in The Last Yiddish Speaker; Thomas Shorrock for Outstanding Lighting Design in The Last Yiddish Speaker; Matt Corey for Outstanding Sound Design in The Last Yiddish Speaker.

***

The Delray Beach Housing Authority elected Ivan Gomez as chairman and Ezra Krieg as vice chairman of its board of directors. This organization aims to offer safe housing to low- and moderate-income families. The Delray Housing Group elected Andrea Keiser as chairman and Noah Hale as vice chairman of its board of directors.

The Delray Housing Group is an affiliated nonprofit created by the Delray Beach Housing Authority to develop and manage affordable housing.

Christine Davis writes business news and can be reached at cdavis9797@gmail.com.

FAU classes cater to older adults: ‘Never too late’

Participants enjoy a foreign policy presentation at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on the FAU Boca Raton campus. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

By Jan Norris

A slogan at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU says it all: “Where learning never retires.”

The institute provides classes in a variety of subjects in a lecture or seminar format — but with no textbooks, no homework and no tests. While open to all, the programs are tailored to older adults, many of whom earned college degrees in the previous century.

“The majority of our students are retirees,” said Jill Rosen, interim director of OLLI, as it is known. 

Between the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses, Florida Atlantic University has about 5,000 OLLI members who pay $60 a year to get discounted prices for classes and advance notice for popular speakers. Classes, priced individually, cost from $34 for members to $80 or more for multiweek courses or VIP lectures; bundling brings other discounts. 

Robert Reeves, 78, has been attending classes since 2014, when he and his wife moved down to Boca Raton permanently from Manhattan.

“We started going right away. My wife and I are enthusiastic about it. The breadth of their programs, from current events, political, medical, music, self-help, history, art — there’s something for all interests,” he said.

Reeves favors courses on history or current events, but recently signed up for a crime scene investigation course. 

“My wife is really into the crime shows; we took that together,” he said. “I learned some things. I thought what was interesting, the guy worked in the field for the New York PD. He said the shows were somewhat accurate, but compressed into an hour.”

Reeves also goes in for lighter, entertainment–themed classes; some are concerts performed by local bands.

“Sometimes we go out with friends. It’s like going out for a night,” he said.

Reeves also took a course on ChatGPT. He attends multiweek history courses, as well as classes on movies and theater. 

“I enjoy the history courses the most,” he said. “I think it’s a wonderful institution. It’s reasonable and convenient.

“For quality and content, you can’t beat it.”

Variety of courses

Courses run the gamut from detailed discourse on Renaissance natural magic and the scientific revolution, to a two-part lecture on Diana Ross. 

Other titles in the upcoming catalog include Cuba, a History and a Present; Dealing with Overwhelming Anxiety: Insights from a Psychologist Holocaust Survivor; the Modern Legacy of 1776; the Art of Tango; and Sounds of Music: Simon and Garfunkel.

Ed and Ferne Emmer of Boca Raton have been students at OLLI for three years. He, too, likes the diverse class offerings, and just finished a two-part seminar on Cher. 

“I’m not sure why I took it,” Ed said. “But she led a really interesting life.

“Time just flew by; you sort of wished there was another hour. The professor made it really interesting. He was so engaging.”

Lifelong Learning students Ed and Ferne Emmer of Boca Raton interact with the Quantum Jungle exhibit inside the MAD Arts in Dania Beach, one of the off-campus outings on the course schedule.

Excursions are offered

Judy Scara, the associate director of programs, books the professors and other experts. Some are faculty and give the traditional lecture; others are brought in to provide interactive seminars where students are part of the class curriculum. 

She gave an example of a seminar about birth order.

Before his talk, the instructor separated the class into firstborns, then middle children, then babies. “It was really engaging,” she said. “Everyone loved it.” 

The spring catalog with courses and excursions is now available.

“I try to mix it up with diverse things,” Scara said. “They said they want to get into excursions, so I book fun things to get the students off campus.”

She’s had a wine-tasting trip, an Everglades tour, and a trip to MAD Arts in Dania Beach, a digital interactive art gallery. Upcoming plans include a trip to PopStroke, the new Tiger Woods mini-golf venture. 

Lifelong Learning students interact with the The Junk Machine (2024), a work by conceptual artist ClownVamp, inside the MAD Arts in Dania Beach.

Recently in Jupiter, OLLI students went to an artist’s class to make Turkish lamps.

“One of the students asked me to take her picture with her lamp. I did, and she said, ‘Now write under it: It’s never too late to learn.’ She’s 93,” Scara said.

That’s the mission of OLLI, Rosen said. “There are people who look for these programs to find a retirement community. They want to stay engaged. It really drives some to choose this area.

“We have an amazing program,” Rosen said. It is one of the largest in the country.

FAU president’s interest

The institute has been operating since 1980. It is self-funded, with student course fees helping pay instructors, staff and maintenance. 

The new president at FAU, Adam Hasner, is refocusing on the institute. 

“He brings an understanding of what this population can bring to FAU,” Rosen said. “He wants this to be part of the Hometown University,” the theme used to showcase the classes to area residents.

Most classes are held in the Ely Meyerson Continuing Education Hall, a state-of-the-art auditorium that seats 500. 

For special speakers, Scara said, it sells out. Members get first dibs on popular lectures.

The pandemic took a toll on attendance, however. 

“This population is particularly vulnerable,” she said, “so many stayed home. Their communities stepped up their programs, and some people have not returned. But we’re hoping our programs will bring them back to campus.”

Her spring catalog is the result of suggestions from patrons, board members and the students, and builds on past programs that proved popular. 

Hot topics always include politics and current events such as the Middle East peace talks. Big-name commentators, such as Chuck Todd and Jon Meacham, will speak this spring, and Major Garrett and John Martin will give a presidential run-up lecture.

“Sometimes it’s banging the bushes for new and interesting topics,” Scara said. “I want to keep the energy up. We have a lot of repeat patrons, and you want to keep it fresh. They want to learn something new.”

’Exciting professors’

Margarita Castellon is secretary of the board for OLLI. She’s also chair of the marketing committee, a volunteer position.

“I’ve been involved for seven years,” she said. “I take about 15 classes every semester. I leave behind at least 10 classes I’d like to go to.”

She has a master’s degree from Harvard and compares Jeffrey Morton, an FAU political science professor, with Ivy Leaguers. “We have the most exciting professors. Nationally recognized folks,” she said.

FAU professor Jeffrey Morton gives a presentation on foreign policy at the Boca Raton campus.

Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author of books on presidents, is a great draw, Castellon said. 

Martin, Politico’s senior political columnist, sits for “fireside chats” with FAU’s Hasner. Morton, “he’s our rock star,” Rosen said, as a speaker on world politics. His current-events lectures sell out.

The social aspect of OLLI is also important. “It’s a lifeline for some people,” Scara said. “We are the third space for a lot of people. It’s not their home, not their work, but the place where they can come and be comfortable and safe.” 

Many students have been caretakers for a spouse, or have lost a spouse. The classes are a way to become engaged again, she said. “We’re really like a second home for some.”

The OLLI staff also encourages the formation of special-interest groups.

“We had a very popular lecture this year about bird watching, called Bird Nerding. We encouraged the students to form a group to connect outside of class,” Scara said.

Other groups include book clubs and a glee chorus.

Arleen Roberts, 85, of  Boca Raton, is part of the volunteer marketing committee. Originally from Massachusetts and a snowbird, she has been a permanent resident for 22 years and was taking OLLI courses long before the pandemic shut them down for months.

“They’ve come a long way,” she said. “The speakers really know their stuff.”

She goes to lectures by Richard Rene Silvin on local history, or watches international films with Shelly Isaacs’ commentary. 

Keeping the mind engaged

Roberts likes that some lectures are “edutainment,” but says others also attract her.

“The talent is here,” she said. “I’m willing to try something different. Something that didn’t necessarily jump out at me. Some turn out to be not so great, but others are wonderful, and engaging.”

The Boca Raton classes are convenient, too, she said. A new parking area directly across from the auditorium makes it easy to get in and out of class. “They bused us over before,” Roberts said. “It was hard for some people.”

Roberts also likes that the staff has brought back excursions, canceled during the pandemic. She’s looking forward to a private tour of the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach in February as part of the group.

“We’re so lucky to have this in Boca,” she said. “Who needs New York?”

Ed Emmer says he does miss the Big Apple, but OLLI fills a void in Boca Raton. 

“I’ve lived my whole life in big cities, New York and London. I love it here from November to May. From June to October, I like New York.”

Emmer is in his third year of classes.  He likes all the history classes but plans to attend a lecture on Peter, Paul and Mary with friends from his building. 

From the earliest wars in the Middle East to the French and American revolutions, to modern wars, centuries are covered. Speakers propose new angles and throw out ideas about alternate outcomes to engage student discussion.

“I sat in a class on Abraham Lincoln and immigration. One of the professors from the university interviewed the speaker, then there were questions from the audience,” Emmer said. “It was really interesting and relevant.”

He said the experience of sitting with like-minded students in the comfort of the main auditorium, along with the use of technology, encourages him to return. Screens display simultaneous captioning during lectures. Catch-up videos are available in case people miss classes. “Technology is clearly advancing,” he said. 

Ferne Emmer has some interests that differ from her husband’s. She has taken several courses on cinema.

The Thin Man series was “really interesting,” she said. She’ll go back for a lecture on Katharine Hepburn soon.

The Emmers found out about OLLI from a friend. 

“I was looking for something to keep me engaged,” Ed said. “I’m not a golfer. I’m not a boater. I was looking for something to expand my knowledge. You have to keep moving, body and mind.” 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of sitting around a pool and “do whatever, and doze off. It’s important to keep your body active with exercise. But it’s just as important to keep your mind active.”

For more information about the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, visit Olli.fau.edu.

Impact 100 Palm Beach County has named the 2025-26 semifinalists that will vie for $100,000 grants aimed at bringing innovative initiatives designed to strengthen and uplift South County.

"Each of the nominees represents one of Impact 100’s five focus areas: arts, culture and historic preservation; education; environment and animal welfare; family; and health and wellness:

• American Association of Caregiving Youth

• aZul — Fashion, Art & Design

• Back to Basics

• Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

• Best Foot Forward Foundation

• Boca Raton Museum of Art

• Boca School for Autism

• CityHouse

• Delray Beach Public Library

• Dress for Success

• Flipany

• Florida Atlantic University Foundation (College of Nursing)

• For The Children

• Fresh Rx

• In Jacob’s Shoes

• Marine Education Initiative

• Nova Southeastern University

• Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

• Restoration Bridge International

• Rise and Shine Christian Academy

• Soil & Soul

• St. Ann Place Outreach Center

• St. John Community Promise

• Take Stock in Children Palm Beach

• The Reef Institute

• The Soup Kitchen

• The Synergy Network

• Visual Adjectives Seeds of Creativity

• YMCA of South Palm Beach County

The finalists will be selected April 7, and the Grand Awards Celebration is set for April 28 at Boca West Country Club.

“We are honored to recognize this impressive class of semifinalists,” President Janean Mileusnic said. “Their dedication reflects exactly why our members come together — to fuel lasting, transformational change.”

For more information, call 561-336-4623 or visit impact100pbc.org.

The Boca Raton starts new foundation

The Boca Raton resort has launched a foundation, adding a nonprofit arm that formalizes the property’s commitment to philanthropy.

Inspired by the vision of President and CEO Daniel Hostettler, The Boca Raton Foundation for Charitable Giving channels a culture of service into one of grant-making. It will target education, food security, and women and children.

“I believe that true luxury carries a responsibility to uplift the community around it,” Hostettler said. “This foundation reflects that belief. It empowers our associates to champion the organizations that have shaped their own lives, and it allows us to deepen our impact in a meaningful, lasting way.”

For more information, call 561-447-3000 or visit thebocaraton.com/foundation.

Food-distribution project gets green light

A unanimous vote by the Boynton Beach City Commission has enabled Feeding South Florida to move forward with construction of a 32,000-square-foot warehouse on Park Ridge Boulevard in Quantum Corporate Park. 

The warehouse will mark the final phase of the nonprofit’s campus expansion and will enable more people who face food insecurity to get help. The facility will include dry storage, cold storage, freezer storage, loading docks and administrative office space.

“This expansion strengthens Boynton Beach’s role as a regional hub for nonprofit operations and community services,” according to a statement issued by the city. “Feeding South Florida continues to be a vital partner in addressing food insecurity across our region, and the city is proud to support their mission through responsible economic development.”

For more information, call 954-518-1818 or visit feedingsouthflorida.org.

Arts Garage honors legacy of builders  

A permanent Legacy Wall has been installed at Delray Beach’s Arts Garage to recognize members of the new Legacy Board.

The inaugural honorees of the board — a distinguished bunch whose leadership, vision and generosity have shaped the organization’s success and sustainability — are Ronnie Dunayer, Lynn Ferguson, Chuck Halberg and the late Steve Weber.

“Our Legacy Board members have given so much of themselves — time, talent and treasure — to ensure Arts Garage continues to thrive as a home for creativity and connection,” President and CEO Marjorie Waldo said. “Their leadership has built the foundation on which we stand today. This recognition is our way of saying thank you for their extraordinary commitment and for helping us make the arts accessible to everyone.”

For more information, call 561-450-6357 or visit artsgarage.org.

Take a ride through Delray Beach history 

For its 25th anniversary, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is bringing back the popular bus tours of Delray Beach neighborhoods.

The tours, highlighted by narratives about the development of the city, are 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 31, and 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 5 and 19, March 12 and 28, and April 18 and 30. Cost is $45. 

“Aboard an air-conditioned bus, riders will learn about the personalities and events that shaped the city’s growth and character,” according to a news release. “From historical markers to signature neighborhoods, the ‘Ride, Remember & Discover’ bus tour explains the significance of each stop with accuracy and authenticity.”

For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit spadymuseum.com/historical-tour.

This is Amy Woods' last Philanthropy Notes column.

Send news, photos and notes to Lou Ann Frala at philanthropy@thecoastalstar.com.

By Amy Woods

The keynote speaker of the Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch is an Atlanta native, a Morehouse College graduate and an Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brother.

Bill Nix, the former vice president of marketing and government affairs for the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, shares each of those things in common with the man he will be talking about at the Jan. 19 fundraiser for the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum.

“Our families have known each other for a long, long time,” Nix said, noting that his grandparents knew Martin Luther King Sr., his father knew Martin Luther King Jr., and his mother knew Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, Christine King.

When King was assassinated in 1968, Nix was a senior at Morehouse, a men’s liberal arts school, and served as a member of the honor guard surrounding the casket.

“I’ve not ever given the story of what happened the night he was shot, but I have given parts of the story of Martin Luther King’s ascension into who he became,” Nix said. “I need to tell that story, especially for this generation, right now.”

The 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch not only will feature Nix’s powerful address but also the theatrical talents of the Core Ensemble, whose actors will portray Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston during a series of reenactments. The signature community event attracts more than 300 guests.

“I sincerely hope my presentation moves the room,” Nix said, adding that he also is going to discuss the 60 years of progress made possible by the Voting Rights Act. 

“If we don’t like what’s going on, it’s the one thing we can and should do to change the country. We need this year, really, and every year, actually, to get out and vote. People died because of this.” 

If You Go

What: Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch to benefit Spady Cultural Heritage Museum

When: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 19

Where: Indian Spring Country Club, Boynton Beach

Cost: $55

Information: 561-279-8883; spadymuseum.com

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County hauled in an impressive $290,000 in one night to support youth programs at the Boca Raton club. The elegant evening had a nautical ‘Horizon of Hope’ theme and featured live and silent auctions as well as dueling pianos that kept guests entertained. ‘As the need for the Boys & Girls Club in Boca Raton continues to grow, so does the incredible support from this community,’ President and CEO Jaene Miranda said. ‘The funds raised will not only strengthen current programs but will create a lasting, generational impact for countless children.’ ABOVE: Donna and Barry Goldberg. Photo provided

Jeannine Morris, nominated by Place of Hope at the Leighan and David Rinker Campus, was named Woman Volunteer of the Year at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s annual luncheon. Morris was chosen from among 40 outstanding female volunteers for the prestigious award. More than 900 attended the lavish affair. ‘Congratulations to Jeannine Morris for this well-deserved honor, and thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this an outstanding event,’ said Victoria Matthews, league president. ‘We so appreciate our sponsors, committee, co-chairs and honorary chair.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Mark Larkin, Co-Chairwomen Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo, Morris, Matthews, Maureen Mann, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer, Paige Kornblue and Glenn Glazer. Photo provided by Coastal Click Photography

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties welcomed nearly 70 donors to its annual event, which recognized members of the Legacy Society and the Scholarship Society and celebrated the generosity of the foundation’s philanthropic partners and the impact of their work. The organization provides charitable expertise to engage investors and, since 1972, has distributed $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing opportunity gaps. ABOVE: George Elmore and Marti LaTour. Photo provided by Tracey Benson Photography

The Institute for Regional Conservation’s annual affair attracted nearly 100 attendees who joined to raise money for the nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation. The evening featured creative bites, specialty drinks, live music, fun trivia and a successful silent auction. During the event, guests were invited to learn more about the IRC’s ongoing work, including restoration projects, education programs and efforts to prevent the loss of native plant species. ‘We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out for our do-good fundraiser,’ said Liz Dutra, conservation program manager. ‘The support of our community fuels the work we do every day.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Dutra, Jonathan Moreno, Stacy Brown, Eric Gomez-Gonzalez, Melinda Ogden, George Gann, Madison Robuck, Kayla Mosteller, Joel Otero and Keith Buttry. Photo provided by MasterWing Creative Agency

The Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum’s elegant affair shined a light on 25 local luminaries whose leadership shaped the city in the early 2000s. An all-new Centennial Plaque was unveiled — a historic addition to Mizner Plaza recognizing Boca Raton’s 100th anniversary — on which the honorees’ names will be permanently commemorated as a nod to a transformative era. ABOVE: (l-r) Marta Batmasian, Florida Atlantic University Dean Michael Horswell and President Adam Hasner. Photo provided

Impact 100 Palm Beach County marked its 15th year of collective philanthropy with an annual affair that brought together members and guests and provided an opportunity to reflect on the tangible results of the organization’s grant-making. Since its founding, a total of $7.7 million has been gifted through 124 grants, including 73 high-impact $100,000 grants and 51 merit grants. ‘This celebration reminds us that when women come together with purpose, meaningful change follows,’ President Janean Mileusnic said. ABOVE: Ann Brown and Helen Ballerano. Photos provided  

L-R: Mimi Meister, Kathryn Gillespie and Donna Glenn.

L-R: Holly Schuttler and Noreen Payne. 

The debut celebration organized by the Boca Raton Achievement Center showcased the abilities of children and young adults with special needs and lauded the families that support them. A highlight of the evening, attended by 80-plus, was a deeply moving speech by Suzanne Jarriel, a mother of two who shared her journey with her son’s autism diagnosis. ‘I had found our saving grace,’ Jarriel said. ‘BRAC is not just a school, it’s a community. It gives children and young adults with special needs a safe space and gives parents like me a network of support.’ ABOVE: Andrew Friis and Maxie Kaan-Lilly. BELOW: (l-r) Marta Batmasian, Linda Petrakis and Jen Caprio. Photos provided

It was a picture-perfect day for Clinics Can Help as enthusiastic players rallied around a day of camaraderie, community and competition, all while raising nearly $50,000. The funds will support the organization’s mission of empowering children and adults to achieve greater mobility, independence and dignity through access to essential medical equipment and supplies. ‘Watching this tournament grow and seeing the impact it has on our programs means the world to us,’ CEO Owen O’Neill said. ‘As Palm Beach County grows, so does the need, and we’re deeply thankful for everyone helping us meet it.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Patrick Daly, Tyler Jacobs, Evan Nuss and Nate Gates. Photo provided

The JCC kicked off its 2025-26 season with presentations by esteemed writers Jacqueline Friedland, Zibby Owens and Alyson Richman. The women spoke to a sold-out crowd of 650 about the importance and value of elevating Jewish voices. The annual event is a signature program of the Sandler Center and is part of its Myrna Lippman Literary Season, which is dedicated to sharing Jewish stories, perspectives and history. ‘Each year, this luncheon reminds us of the power of storytelling to connect, uplift and inspire,’ the center’s Stephanie Owitz said. ‘We are grateful to our authors for sharing their insights and to our community for showing up in such meaningful numbers.’  ABOVE: (l-r) Dana Clarfield, Nancy Marks-Small, Jill Poser-Kammet and Leah Spero. Photo provided by Wendy J Studios

Friends, colleagues and community leaders paid tribute to Mary Csar, the longtime face of the Boca Raton Historical Society/The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum, during an evening that also marked the opening of the Cloister Inn Museum, an exhibit commemorating The Boca Raton’s upcoming centennial. Deputy Mayor Fran Nachlas and City Council members Yvette Drucker, Andy Thomson and Marc Wigder presented Csar with a key to the city for her decades of service, preservation efforts and impact on Boca Raton’s cultural legacy. ABOVE: Mike Arts and Csar. Photo provided by LivingFla.com

In support of the Delray Beach Public Library’s Retail Therapy Experience, the downtown French-Vietnamese restaurant opened its doors to more than 110 guests wanting to give back to their community. After enjoying food and drinks, attendees boarded private trolleys for an afternoon of shopping along Atlantic Avenue, stopping at several popular stores. The event concluded with a happy hour. All proceeds benefit the library’s programs and services. ABOVE: (l-r) Kim Beckett, Jaana Moisio, Rose Schuhmann and Colleen Schuhmann. BELOW: (l-r) MaryAnn Cody, Dianne Jayne, Linda Dean and Deidre Neal. Photos provided

A celebration of a quarter-century of bolstering youths in the area raised more than $400,000 and saw the 350-plus in attendance invest in the future of the Y. Proceeds will go toward program expansion so more children can be served. A highlight of the night was the announcement of a $250,000 gift from Abdol and Cathy Moabery earmarked for a new playground and splash pad. ‘We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown at this milestone event,’ said Shea Ciarletta, vice president of development. ‘As we celebrate 25 years of meaningful impact in Boynton Beach, we remain committed to building a stronger, healthier community.’ ABOVE: (l-r) Terry Fedele, Jerry Fedele and Pat Thomas. Photo provided by Carlos Aristizabal

The inaugural fundraiser for the Sandoway Discovery Center was a huge success — and a sellout.  It brought together locals, visitors and partner businesses for an unforgettable night that combined the city’s lively bar scene with marine conservation as each stop embraced the spirit of the event. Participants donned their shark fin headgear and raised awareness of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems. The haul was more than $10,000. ABOVE: (l-r) Suzy Geller, Danica Sanborn and Christine Romines. Photo provided

Palm Beach Symphony members were treated to a preview of the 2025-26 season and a dazzling musical overview led by maestro Gerard Schwarz. ‘Once again this year, audiences will be enthralled by the incredible musicians that we are bringing to the stage,’ said James Borynack, the symphony’s board chairman. ‘I am so proud of our members, board, donors, supporters, music director Gerard Schwarz, our musicians and staff for their stewardship in bringing to life our mission to engage, educate and entertain the community through live orchestral music performances.’ ABOVE: Lois Pope and Bill Porter. Photo provided by Capehart

Rats! Several restaurants in downtown Delray Beach were shut down last month for sanitation and safety violations that involved rodent infestations.

Blue Anchor Pub, MV Take-Out Restaurant and Gou Lakay & American Taste were closed for service after state inspectors failed them for extreme violations.

All reopened within days of closing, after reinspections found only minor infractions.

Now they’ll have surprise inspections four times a year, based on the closures, said Barry Goldman, a recently retired inspector.

Otherwise, most restaurants get looked at twice a year, at random intervals, unless there are complaints.

“We can show up anytime during the day,” he said. 

Goldman inspected restaurants in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, restaurant and hotels division.

He also taught food safety as a chef-instructor for the former Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach. His résumé includes executive chef positions at several hotels in Miami Beach, including the Fountainbleu, and Hollywood’s Diplomat. He also was chef at New York City’s Playboy Club.

Although the presence of live creature activity — rodents or insects — gets a restaurant shut down immediately, it’s not always the biggest threat to  diners’ health, he said. 

“The biggest way people get sick is from the people who handle the food. You’re not getting sick from the hamburger, but the way the guy makes the hamburger.”

Common violations involve cooks who cross-contaminate fresh foods and raw proteins.

“Someone’s working the grill, and puts a raw burger patty on the grill, then with the same hand — gloved or not — grabs a bun. Or picks up cheese. Now the bun or the rest of the cheese is contaminated with raw meat. It has to be thrown out,” Goldman said.

The storage of raw proteins over fresh products eaten raw, such as raw chicken stored over mushrooms or lettuce, is a serious violation.

If a restaurant has extreme violations, it’s shut down. The owners/operators can correct the problems and call for an inspection right away. If inspectors are satisfied, the restaurant can reopen, often the next day.

Temperature is vital

A number of violations can add up to citations, fines or closure, Goldman said.

Temperature problems are one big red flag.

“Somebody orders a piece of fish. It must be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees. We get out our needle and check it,” he said.

To prevent any arguments over readings, the inspector’s thermometers are calibrated to the restaurant’s, Goldman said.

Reheated cooked foods must be warmed to 165 degrees then held at 135 indefinitely. They should be cooled to 41 degrees to hold overnight, then brought back to temperature.

Italian restaurants are terrible about taking care of leftover soups or pasta sauces to be reheated the next day, Goldman said.

“Where is it? ‘In the walk-in,’ they say. We go in, it’s in a big pot. Stick in the needle. They’re not under 41 degrees, so they’re not legally edible. It has to be thrown out.”

Checking a list

Inspectors have an 82-point checklist in their comprehensive sweep of a restaurant. 

From the temperature of the coolers and foods, to the condition of holding containers, to the sink handles, tongs for bar condiments, and ice machines — inspectors have a lot to look at.

They bring flashlights and gloves to inspect inside, over, under and around equipment.

“We’re looking outside the restaurant for flies,” Goldman said. “They’re almost worse than cockroaches. Flies transmit bacteria. They eat anything and everything and spit it on food.”

Cardboard is a breeding ground for roaches in the kitchens, he said. “Cockroaches have their own spas, we say.”

Removing grease buildup on hoods and stoves and sanitizing sinks and drains are important. Certain dish sanitizers must be used, and hot water must work at handwashing sinks.

Every restaurant owner is aware of all these things, Goldman said, through the state’s required training and certification for safe food handling and serving.

“Every single manager of a restaurant has to go to training. It’s a ServSafe manager’s certification. The managers must then teach all of their employees, and they get a certification as well.”

The employees have 90 days after hiring to get the certificate, or to bring one from a previous restaurant that’s dated. Certificates for managers are good for five years; for servers and food handlers, three years.

A restaurant is required to have a certified manager on duty at all times — and managers must present their certificates when an inspector pops up.

Step by step

Inspections are random, Goldman said.

“We can go in at lunch. The servers say, ‘But we’re right in the middle of service.’ That is usually the best time to see how food is being handled and served. We can observe the cooks surreptitiously while writing on our notebook,” Goldman said.

He starts with the appearance of the place, and the staff. 

Cooks must have hats or hairnets — even bald cooks, and if beards are long, beard guards. 

No jewelry, including watches, is allowed in the kitchen. “They harbor bacteria that can be transferred to the food,” Goldman said.

And no fake nails are allowed in the kitchen. 

“Servers can have fake fingernails. They aren’t touching the food,” Goldman said.

Aprons should be reasonably clean. The floor can have pieces of food, especially during service times.

“We’re not looking for something that was dropped during prep. We’re looking for food that was kicked under a table or stove and not cleaned up,” Goldman said.

All equipment is inspected. Slicers are problematic, because  the guards frequently get dirty. That merits a citation and can result in fines if enough violations pile up.

Bars get inspected, as well. Dairy products, such as heavy cream, must be stored at under 41 degrees and not left out behind the bar. Lemons, olives and onions have tongs or spoons for serving — no bare hands should touch them.

And, “the bartender is the only one who can touch a bare straw,” Goldman said. 

Every bar must have a three-compartment sink, for dumping, washing and rinsing glasses. They are then air-dried. 

“Think of towels used to wipe the glasses — they’ll wipe the bar and spread all the bacteria. So no. Air-dry only,” Goldman said.

In restroom inspections, the smelly ones get immediate attention. The odor has to do with drains backing up by not being sanitized properly.

“We go to some restaurants, they have an Out of Order sign on the door. They say it’s to keep outsiders from using their bathrooms. That’s illegal. Every restaurant must have working public facilities,” Goldman said.

All of this is to protect the diner, he said, not to punish a restaurant.

“We work for you. We represent the consumer.”

The public can anonymously report restaurants to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation online if they suspect problems. Inspectors are sent out for every report, Goldman said. 

If three or more reports come in from people reporting food-borne illness, it’s turned over to the county Health Department and is considered an outbreak. An investigation follows.

But the inspectors do a lot to keep the public safe and prevent this. Goldman said, “You’d be amazed at what we catch.”

Food and Wine series at Delray Beach Open

The Delray Beach Open is stepping up its popular Food and Wine series, with more chefs and mixologists coming to the culinary tent at the Tennis Center. 

The tournament celebrates its 34th year Feb. 13-22. 

New this year is “Serve & Savor: A Taste of Italy,” a tasting event on Feb. 21 featuring wines from official partner Caymus Vineyards. Returning are longtime fan favorites, including “Game, Set, Pour,” “Burgers, Bourbon & Brew,” “Tacos, Tequila & Tennis,” and the extravagant “Grand Tasting.”

All are ticketed events that sell out quickly.

Events involving more than 40 restaurants and beverage partners, with curated tastings, specialty cocktail offerings, and appearances by ATP players are scheduled.

Tickets and more information are online at Delraybeachopen.com/en/food-and-wine. Events are rain or shine; no refunds or exchanges. Most Food and Wine events are limited to people 21 and older.

Jan Norris is a food writer who can be reached at nativefla@gmail.com.

Ben Frost and his daughter, Parker, of Delray Beach. Both were born with clefts and now try to help others. Photo provided

By Jan Engoren

Father and daughter Ben Frost and Parker Frost were both born with clefts — a condition that affects one in every 700 births, according to Smile Train, a global nonprofit that provides free cleft surgeries and care in more than 75 countries. 

A cleft is an opening or split in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth (palate), or both.

While the condition can be treated through surgery, speech therapy and other care, what defines this father and daughter wasn’t their diagnosis — it was their resilience at a young age.

“Being born with a cleft forces you to learn life lessons about the importance of feeling good about yourself,” says Ben, 51, an investment banker with Goldman Sachs who moved from New York to Delray Beach three years ago. “I’ve learned to be less concerned with how others see me.”

Born with a bilateral cleft, Ben Frost spent nearly one week each year in the hospital until age 13, undergoing surgeries to construct a hard palate, repair his lip and realign his jaw and teeth. He also attended speech therapy to relearn how to speak clearly — a process made easier by a nursery school friend who took the time to understand him.

Frost says his condition never hindered his ability to thrive: “I have a beautiful family and a wonderful job.”

His biggest concern was passing on the condition. While his older daughter, Alexa, does not have a cleft, a fetal 3-D ultrasound revealed that his second daughter, Parker, would be born with one, a unilateral cleft.

A senior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Parker, 17, plays golf and beach volleyball and plans to study marketing and sports management in college. She and her dad are die-hard Yankees fans, though Ben is open to rooting for his adopted home team, the Marlins.

While Ben Frost’s childhood was shaped by hospital stays and speech therapy, Parker Frost faced an additional challenge: growing up with a cleft in the age of social media.

“It was hard to look in the mirror and see that you look different from your friends,” she says. “It took a toll on my confidence.”

She endured six major and several minor surgeries — each painful, each requiring weeks of recovery. 

“It was the hardest time in my life,” she says. “It takes a toll on the entire family.”

The most recent was last summer, to fix a deviated septum and help her breathe.

Now Ben Frost says he and daughter are both “totally fine,” with no serious ongoing issues. 

From an early age, Parker Frost wanted to help others with the same condition. Her family became involved with Smile Train. Over the past 25 years, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries, along with speech therapy, psychological support, and orthodontics.

Last year, Parker Frost became a student ambassador and raised $1,500 by selling handmade beaded bracelets. “I wanted every bead to mean something,” she says. “Each one helped a child smile.”

Iva Ballou, 40, Smile Train’s community development manager, was born with a bilateral cleft. “I was that little girl who didn’t have a community,” she says. “And now I have one.”

Ballou says the cleft community is now speaking “loud and proud,” and she encourages others to listen. “We are funny, intelligent and resilient.”

Ben Frost, who spent most of his life not talking about his cleft, says he’s proud of his daughter for sharing her story.

“Smile Train is giving her the confidence to talk about it and connect with others,” he says. “She’s a great role model.”

He calls the surgeries life-changing. “With this surgery, every child can live a full and healthy life,” he says.

In November, the Frosts spoke at Cleft Con, an online seminar hosted by Smile Train.

“I never knew anyone else with a cleft, especially at my age,” Parker says. “Even though I learned a lot from my dad, I wanted to relate to people my age.”

She says peer support is essential. “I felt that no one understood what I was going through.”

In her role with Smile Train, Parker hopes to help others embrace their differences. “Recognize that it’s part of you,” she says. “But it doesn’t have to define you.”

And while the scar never goes away, she says, it’s her personality people remember. “Everyone has something they feel insecure about,” she says. “Learn to love that part of yourself.”

As Parker looks forward to college next fall, she carries with her the resilience she’s learned and the power to help others appreciate the beauty of imperfection.

Jan Engoren writes about health and healthy living. Send column ideas to jengoren@hotmail.com.

Smile Train

To learn more about cleft treatments and support for cleft patients, visit smiletrain.org. Or join others at the seventh annual Cleft Con, which takes place virtually in November at a date to be announced and in person July 17-19 in Phoenix.